Thursday 21 November

Presentation of Mary

1 Macc 2:15-29, Ps 50, Luke 19:45-48

The Presentation of Mary is recorded in the apocryphal gospel of James. It presents a deep truth – that Mary was dedicated to God by her parents. They paid their sacrifice [sacra – facere = make – holy] of thanksgiving to God [Ps]. Unlike those whom Jesus laments, who do not recognise their opportunity, Joachim and Anne recognise theirs. They were the instruments and servants of God who used them as Grandparents of the One who has “spoken and summoned the earth”. With Mary we give thanks for those who have presented us to God, and we make a present of all we have and are again today to the One who has given us life.